Inclination adjusting apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to an inclination adjusting apparatus for adjusting a backrest ( 3 ) of a vehicle seat with respect to a seat part ( 2 ), wherein a side part ( 15 ) of the seat part and a side part ( 12 ) of the backrest are coupled pivotably together about a pivot point and the backrest is latchable in the respective inclined position by way of a locking element ( 9 ). The present invention further relates to a vehicle seat and a method to operate the inventive inclination adjusting apparatus.

CLAIM OF PRIORITY

This application claims priority to U.S. Application Ser. No. 61/643,587, filed May 7, 2012, the entire contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference.

The present invention relates to a inclination adjusting apparatus for adjusting a backrest of a vehicle seat with respect to a seat part, wherein a side part of the seat part and a side part of the backrest are coupled pivotably together about a pivot point and the backrest is latchable in the respective inclined position by way of a locking element. The present invention further relates to a vehicle seat and a method to operate the inventive Inclination adjusting apparatus.

In automotive engineering, there is a continuous desire to produce inclination adjusting apparatus more easily and/or cost-effectively.

It was therefore the object of the present invention to provide a Inclination adjusting apparatus which meets the abovementioned requirement.

The object is achieved by an inclination adjusting apparatus for adjusting a backrest of a vehicle seat with respect to a seat part, wherein a side part of the seat part and a side part of the backrest are coupled pivotably together about a pivot point and the backrest is latchable in the respective inclined position by way of a locking element, wherein a partial-circular cutout is arranged in the side part of the backrest and/or in the side part of the seat part, said cutout being at least partly toothed at least on one side, wherein the toothing interacts with the locking element.

An adjusting lever is preferably operatively connected to a transmission rod which more preferably couples a backrest adjusting mechanism arranged on the right-hand side of the vehicle seat to a backrest adjusting mechanism arranged on the left-hand side of the vehicle seat. More preferably, the transmission rod is guided, preferably in each case, through the part-circular cutout.

Preferably, at least portions of the transmission rod are surrounded by at least one preferably two, guiding element(s) which is/are more preferably arranged on the transmission rod in rotationally fixed and/or displaceable manner. Preferably, there is a form- and/or force-fit between the outer circumference of the transmission rod and the inner circumference of the guiding means, respectively.

The disclosure made for this subject of the present invention applies in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention, and vice versa.

Preferably, or according to a further subject of the present invention, the locking elements are provided to be axially displaceable along the transmission rod.

Preferably, a locking element is provided on the right-hand and left-hand side of the transmission rod in a rotationally and axially displaceable manner on a transmission rod. In this case, preferably a compression spring element which more preferably surrounds the transmission rod is arranged preferably between the locking elements and acts on the ends of the two locking elements.

Preferably, each locking elements partially encloses a transfer element. More preferably, on the outer circumference of each transfer element a helical element is provided, which engages more preferably with a correspondingly shaped cutout in the respective locking element.

At that end of the respective locking element, which is directed in the direction of the backrest adjusting mechanism, there is preferably arranged a locking portion. This locking portion preferably interacts in a locking fashion with the part-circular cutout in the side part of the backrest. The locking portion and the part-circular cutout each preferably comprise a toothed portion, which interact in a locking manner, in this case, the toothed portions of the part-circular cutout and the locking portion are arranged in a manner engaging in a positively locking manner in one another in a locked state of the inclination adjusting apparatus.

In this case, the locking portion of the locking element is moved out of the part-circular cutout in the side part of the backrest, the positively locking connection between the part-circular cutout and the locking portion is released and the inclination of the back rest can be adjusted.

During operation of the inclination adjusting apparatus, the transfer element is rotated, for example by means of an adjusting lever. The rotation of the transfer element displaces the locking element due to the helical formation on the outer circumference of the transfer element. A displacement movement of two locking elements towards one another preferably compresses a spring element.

A further subject of the present invention is a vehicle seat having a seat part and a backrest having the inclination adjusting apparatus according to the invention.

The disclosure made for this subject of the present invention applies in equal measure to the other subjects of the present invention, and vice versa.

Another subject matter is to operate the inventive inclination adjusting apparatus wherein

the transfer elements are rotated and wherein this rotation induces a displacement movement of the locking elements towards one another.

The inventions are explained in the following text on the basis of FIGS. 1-19, These explanations are merely by way of example and do not limit the general concept of the invention.

In the figures:

FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective, partially transparent illustration of a vehicle seat,

FIG. 2 schematically shows an exploded illustration of an inclination adjusting apparatus for a backrest of a vehicle seat,

FIG. 3 schematically shows a perspective illustration of a lower portion of a side part of a backrest having a pivot point and a part-circular cutout,

FIG. 4 schematically shows a perspective illustration of a transfer element arranged on a transmission rod,

FIG. 5 schematically shows a perspective illustration of a locking element,

FIG. 6 schematically shows a sectional illustration of a first backrest adjusting mechanism of an inclination adjusting apparatus for a backrest of a vehicle seat having an adjusting lever,

FIG. 7 schematically shows a sectional illustration of a second backrest adjusting mechanism of an inclination adjusting apparatus for a backrest of a vehicle seat having an adjusting lever.

FIGS. 8 to 11 schematically show various views of an inclination adjusting apparatus for a backrest of a vehicle seat in a locked state.

FIGS. 12 to 15 schematically show various views of an inclination adjusting apparatus for a backrest of a vehicle seat in an unlocked state,

FIG. 16 schematically shows a side view of an inclination adjusting apparatus,

FIG. 17 schematically shows a side view of an inclination adjusting apparatus in which the backrest is in a state pivoted entirely to the rear, and

FIG. 18 schematically shows a side view of an inclination adjusting apparatus in which the backrest is in a state pivoted entirely to the front.

FIG. 19 shows yet another embodiment of the inclination adjustment apparatus.

Parts that correspond to one another are provided with the same reference signs in all of the figures.

FIG. 1 schematically shows a perspective illustration of a vehicle seat 1. The vehicle seat 1 is a conventional vehicle seat and comprises at least a seat part 2 and a backrest 3. Furthermore, the vehicle seat 1 has a conventional longitudinal adjustment device 4, by means of which the vehicle seat 1 is coupled to a bodywork structure of a vehicle (not illustrated).

The seat part 2 and the backrest 3 are coupled in a pivotable manner by means of an inclination adjusting apparatus 5, wherein a vehicle user can actuate the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 by means of an adjusting lever 6. By means of the adjusting lever 6, the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 can be actuated such that it is possible to set a backrest inclination of the vehicle seat 1. A person skilled in the art will understand that the adjustment of the backrest can also take place in a motorized manner. Furthermore, the inclination adjusting apparatus can operate continuously or discontinuously.

FIG. 2 schematically shows an exploded illustration of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 for the backrest 3 of the vehicle seat 1. The inclination adjusting apparatus 5 comprises the adjusting lever 6, a transmission rod 7, transfer elements 8, locking elements 9, preferably a compression spring element 10 and a support tube 11.

A side part 15 of the seat part 2 and a side part 12 of the backrest 3 are coupled together in a pivotable manner about a pivot point P by means of a pivot pin 13. Arranged in the side part 12 of the backrest 3 is a part-circular cutout 14, the centre-point of which is formed by the pivot point P between the side parts 12 and 15 and at least portions of which are toothed on the inside.

FIG. 3 schematically shows a perspective illustration of a lower portion of the side part 12 of the backrest 3 having the pivot point P and the part-circular cutout 14. On the longitudinal sides, the part-circular cutout 14 has a respective toothing 16 on the inside.

FIG. 4 schematically shows a perspective illustration of a transfer element 8 arranged on the transmission rod 7.

In this case, the transmission rod 7 couples a backrest adjusting mechanism of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 arranged on the right-hand side and on the left hand side of the vehicle seat 1. Each end of the rod end is guided through the part-circular cutout 14, respectively. The transmission rod 7 preferably has channels 17 or grooves which extend in the longitudinal direction of the transmission rod 7.

At least portions of the transmission rod 7 are surrounded by two transfer elements 8 which here completely enclose the transmission rod 7 in the radial direction and which are arranged in a positively locking, rotationally fixed and displaceable manner on the transmission rod 7. In order to arrange the transfer element 8 in a positively locking, rotationally fixed and displaceable manner on the transmission rod 7, the tubular transfer element 8 has on the inside form- and/or force-fit means corresponding to the channels 17 in the transmission rod 7.

A respective helical formation 19 is arranged on an outer side 18 of he transfer elements 8.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a perspective illustration of the locking element 9. Here, the locking element 9 is formed in a substantially tubular manner and is arranged on the transmission rod 7 in the fitted state of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5.

Arranged at that end 20 of the locking element 9 that is directed in the direction of the backrest adjusting mechanism of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 is a locking portion 21, at least portions of which are formed in a manner corresponding to the part-circular cutout 14 in the side part 12 of the backrest 3. In this case, a toothing 22 is preferably formed on the locking portion 21, said toothing 22 being formed in a manner corresponding to the toothing 16 on the part-circular cutout 14.

On the inside, the locking element 9 is formed such that it encloses the outside of a transfer element 8, wherein the helical formation 19 on the transfer element 8 engages in a correspondingly formed cutout (not illustrated) in the locking element 9.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a sectional illustration of a first backrest adjusting mechanism 23 of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 for a backrest 3 of the vehicle seat 1 having the adjusting lever 6. The adjusting lever 6 is operatively connected to the transmission rod 7 on which the transfer element 8 and the locking element 9 are arranged and here enclosed by a support tube 11. The ends of the support tube 11 are widened in each case to form a holding portion 25 which is formed in a manner corresponding to the locking portion 21.

In a central region of the transmission rod 7, the compression spring element 10 is arranged at the end of each locking element 9.

FIG. 7 schematically shows a sectional illustration of a second backrest adjusting mechanism 24 of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 for a backrest 3 of the vehicle seat 1 having the adjusting lever 6. This corresponds substantially to the first backrest adjusting mechanism 23 except that a covering cap 26 is arranged at the end of the transmission rod.

FIGS. 8 to 11 schematically show various views of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 for the backrest 3 of the vehicle seat 1 in a locked state. In the locked state, the toothing 16 of the part-circular cutout 14 and the toothing 22 of the locking portion 21 engage in a positively locking manner in one another such that a pivoting movement about the pivot point P between the seat part 2 and the backrest 3 is prevented.

FIGS. 12 to 15 schematically show various views of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 for the backrest 3 of the vehicle seat 1 in an unlocked state.

During operation of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5, the adjusting lever 6 is pivoted by the vehicle user. As a result, a rotation of the transmission rod 7 is actuated, and this causes a rotation of the transfer elements 8 due to the rotationally fixed arrangement of the guiding elements 8 on the transmission rod 7.

The rotation of the transfer elements 8 is transmitted by the helical formation 19 into a linear displacement movement of the locking elements 9 along the longitudinal axis of the transmission rod 7. Thus, the two locking elements 9 arranged on the transmission rod 7 move towards one another and compress the compression spring element 10.

Due to the displacement movement of the locking elements 9, the locking portion 21 is moved out of the part-circular cutout 14 in the side part 12 of the backrest 3, and so the positively locking connection between the toothing 16 on the part-circular cutout 14 and the toothing 22 on the locking portion 21 is released and in this way the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 is unlocked. In an unlocked state of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5, a pivot movement about the pivot point P between the seat part 2 and the backrest 3 is possible.

FIG. 16 schematically shows a side view of he inclination adjusting apparatus 5 in a central position.

FIG. 17 schematically shows a side view of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 in which the backrest 3 is in a state pivoted entirely to the rear.

FIG. 18 schematically shows a side view of the inclination adjusting apparatus 5 in which the backrest 3 is in a state pivoted entirely to the front.

FIG. 19 shows yet another embodiment of the present invention. In the present case, the inclination of the backrest is fixed in a certain position by a locking element 9, which lockingly interacts with the toothing 16 at the seat part of the vehicle seat. By turning the handle 6, the transfer element 8 is turned likewise, which has at its outer circumference a cam which interacts with the locking element 9 and actuates it laterally so that it either removed from the toothing 16 or brought into contact with the toothing 16. The locking element 9 is guided in the housing 31 and a transfer plate. The locking element 9 axialy translates locking but preferably also rotates it about itself to make engagement non linear removing clearances with the housing or the transfer plate.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   Vehicle seat -   Seat part -   Backrest -   Longitudinal adjusting device -   Inclination adjusting apparatus -   Adjusting lever -   Transmission rod -   Transfer element, pivoting element -   Locking element -   Compression spring element -   Supporting tube -   Side part -   Pivot pin -   Part-circular cutout -   Side part -   Toothing -   Channel -   Outer side -   Formation -   End -   Locking portion -   Positive locking means, toothing -   First backrest adjusting mechanism -   Second backrest adjusting mechanism -   Holding portion -   Covering cap -   30 peripheral region of the side part f the seat part or of the     backrest -   31 Housing -   32 transfer plate 

1. An inclination adjusting apparatus for adjusting a backrest of a vehicle seat with respect to a seat part, wherein a side part of the seat part and a side part of the backrest are coupled pivotably together about a pivot point (P) and the backrest is latchable in the respective inclined position by way of a locking element, wherein a dual sided partial-circular formation is arranged in the side part of the backrest and/or in the side part of the seat part, the dual sided partial-circular formation being at least partly toothed on both sides, wherein the toothing interacts with the locking element.
 2. The inclination adjusting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the locking element is provided in an axially displaceable manner on a transmission rod or pivoting element.
 3. The inclination adjusting apparatus according to claim 2 wherein on the right-hand and/or left-hand side of the transmission rod a locking element is provided.
 4. The inclination adjusting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the locking element is arranged in a rotationally and axially displaceable manner on the transmission rod or pivoting element.
 5. The inclination adjusting apparatus, according to claim 1, wherein the locking element surrounds at least partially a transfer element.
 6. The inclination adjusting apparatus, according to claim 2 wherein the pivoting element axially translates the locking element relative to a housing or a transfer plate.
 7. The inclination adjusting apparatus, according to claim 2 wherein the locking element axially translates the locking element and rotates it about itself to make engagement non-linear and removing clearances with the housing or the transfer plate.
 8. The inclination adjusting apparatus, according to claim 5, wherein rotation of the transfer element displaces the locking element.
 9. The inclination adjusting apparatus according to claim 2 comprising two locking elements wherein a spring element is provided between the locking elements that prestresses the locking elements into their locking position.
 10. The inclination adjusting apparatus according to claim 5 wherein a helical contour is provided at the outer circumference of the transfer element.
 11. The inclination adjusting apparatus (according to claim 10, wherein the a helical contour is provided at the inner circumference of the looking element.
 12. A Vehicle seat having an inclination adjusting apparatus according to claim
 1. 13. A method to operate the inclination adjusting apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the transfer elements are rotated and that this rotation induces a displacement movement of the locking elements towards one another.
 14. A method according to claim 13, wherein a spring element between the looking elements is compressed. 